can anyone tell me how the fuel filter comes out...the end towards the engine came out east but the end towards the tank don't seem to wanna come out

 

what year ranger?

 

u need a fuel line disconnect tool its like 8 bucks at AZ

 

I didnt use funny tool, just smarts and needle nose.

to OP: from what I remember, its a barbed line from the filter, you gotta slip it over the barb... I think.

 

I just pulled the one off my 2002. It took two different removal tools, the 3/8 and the 5/16. I got the angled handle type from Lisle. $3.49 each at my local auto parts chain store.

The big rear-facing one came right off with the tool. The front one didn't have enough clearance to get the tool between the filter and the fitting on the line, so I got out the hacksaw and cut about 40% off of its nose, then was just able to get it in and pull the fitting.

The small rear-facing one had even less clearance then the front one. If I cut the tool down any more it would probably not be able to release the clip. So I got out the hacksaw again and just cut the tube off flush with the filter. From there I could put the tool over the fitting and remove it from the line.

After that, installation was a snap. As expected. These things are made to go on easy, and who cares how hard they are to take off? They save the manufacturer a bit of time on the assembly line, relative to the old hose clamps, but they are a pain to get off.

There was another set of removal tools at the parts store, $25 for the set, that comes with split rings that can be slipped into smaller spaces than the plastic removal tool. If I was doing a whole lot of fuel filter replacements I would get one, but I probably won't be replacing another for five years, so I recommend the hacksaw method to the casual user.

 

Some other fuel filter replacement info.

I put my pressure gauge on the fuel rail, and had someone cycle the key on and off. It took a total of six cycles before the pressure maxed out at 60 psi. After that we tried starting and it fired immediately.

 

My 2007 just push the plastic connectors in by hand and it pops off.